Evaluation Worship and Sermon by Deacon Johns Koshy, M.

The evaluation Service and sermon of  Dn Johns Koshy' was held on Wednesday 11th October, 2008.  Deacon Koshy's   worship gave the community a flavour of the Syrain Orthodox worship, a  rare experience in Gurukul Chapel. The curtains that spearated people from the altar surprised some in the beginnig of the service. When the curtain was slowly moved from left to right the kneeling figure of the deacon gave a dramatic effect upon the worshippers. The ceremoniously decorated altar as in an Orthodox Church Madbaha with chalice and paten covered and twelve candles lighted  by women and men  in public view  was an innovation on tradition.  The text of the sermon was Matthew 14: 13-21 (Jesus feeding the five thousand). While reading the scripture the narration was  enacted.  The topic of the sermon was, "A Christian Response to Food Security."  Lord' Prayer was sung in Syriac .Benediction was taken from the Orthodox Liturgy for the Holy  Qurbana. Students from different liturgical traditions particpated in the worship in tune with the Gurukul tradition.  We hope that Deacon Johns Koshy, who belongs to the Antiochene wing of the Orthodox Church in India, would make much contribution to the ecumenical life of the Church in India.